‘Ice Man’ to hold back-to-school rally

The community is invited to a basketball showcase that also will bring a serious message.

Eugene "Ice-Man" Raines of the Harlem Globetrotter Legends will host the Back to School Summer Fest on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Effingham County High School gymnasium.

Top local players will join Raines for a dunk contest, three-point shootout and full-court exhibition game. Admission is free.

Raines, who starred as a player at Troy State, will share his story of how a cocaine addiction cost him his job, his marriage and nearly his life. Raines spent several years in prison before turning his life around.

"It’s going to help some kids, absolutely," Raines said. "They will see I’m preaching a gospel I believe in."

Raines also is scheduled to speak to Effingham County High School’s ninth-grade class on Aug. 29.